Anesthesia

LAVH

Description of the Procedure

Laparoscopic procedures are minimally invasive. This means that small incisions are made, rather than the large incisions that are used during open surgery.

Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy

During this procedure, small incisions will be made in the area of your navel and hip bone. A laparoscope (a small instrument with a camera on one end) will be inserted through one of the incisions. The instrument will allow your pelvic organs to be viewed on a monitor. Other instruments will also be inserted to do the surgery. Next, the uterus will be detached from the cervix. A tool will be used to break down the uterus into smaller pieces. This tissue will be removed through the small incisions.

Laparoscopic-Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy

Similar to the above surgery, small incisions will be made in the abdominal area and tools will be inserted. Incisions will be made in the vagina to help detach the lower portion of the cervix and the uterus. The cervix and uterus will then be removed through the vaginal opening.

Robot-Assisted Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy can also be done using robotic technology. Like the laparoscopic procedures, tools are placed through small incisions in the abdominal area. The doctor, though, sits at a console and views the organs via a monitor that displays a 3D image. The surgery is done using a joystick-like device to control the tools.

Immediately After Procedure

You will be given IV fluids and medications.

How Long Will It Take?

1-3 hours

Will It Hurt?

You will not have pain during the surgery because of the anesthesia. During your recovery time, you will be given pain medication.

Average Hospital Stay

You may be able to leave the hospital on the same day or the next day. You will stay longer if you have complications.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

While you are recovering at the hospital, you may receive the following care:

On the first night, the nurse will help you sit up and walk.

During the next morning, the IV will be removed if you are eating and drinking well.

You may need to wear special stockings or boots to help prevent blood clots.

You may have a Foley catheter for a short time to help you urinate.

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection such as:

Washing their hands

Wearing gloves or masks

Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to reduce your chances of infection such as:

Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and healthcare providers to do the same

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References:

Hysterectomy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at:
http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq008.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20120815T1040007858. Published August 2011. Accessed September 30, 2014.

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